the anchor yale bible reference library

THE DEATH OF THE MESSIAH

From Gethsemane to the Grave

A COMMENTARY ON THE PASSION NARRATIVES IN THE FOUR GOSPELS

Volumes One and Two

By

Raymond E. Brown, S. S.

Yale University Press New Haven and London

First published in 1994 by Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc. First paperback edition published in 1998. First Yale University Press impression 2008.

Copyright © 1994 by The Associated Sulpicians of the U.S.

All rights reserved.

This book may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, including illustrations, in any form (beyond that copying permitted by Sections 107 and 108 of the U.S. Copyright Law and except by reviewers for the public press), without written permission from the publishers.

The Library of Congress has cataloged the hardcover edition as follows:

Brown, Raymond Edward.

The death of the Messiah: from Gethsemane to the grave: a commentary on the Passion narratives in the four Gospels / Raymond E. Brown.—1st ed.

p. cm.—(The Anchor Bible reference library)

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

1. Passion narratives (Gospels) I. Title. II. Series.

BS2555.3.B7633 1994

226′ .07—dc20 93-9241

cip

Nihil obstat

Myles M. Bourke, S.T.D., S.S.L.

Censor deputatus

Imprimatur

Patrick J. Sheridan, D.D.

Vicar General, Archdiocese of New York

April 30, 1993

The nihil obstat and imprimatur are official declarations that a book or pamphlet is free of doctrinal or moral error. No implication is contained therein that those who have granted the nihil obstat and imprimatur agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.

ISBN 978-0-300-14009-5 (pbk.: alk. paper) (Volume 1)

ISBN 978-0-300-14010-1 (pbk.: alk. paper) (Volume 2)

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

To

Union Theological Seminary (N.Y.C.)

and

Auburn Seminary (N.Y.C.)

as an inadequate expression of my gratitude

for encouragement, support, and friendship

during twenty years of teaching

from one who is privileged to have been

the Auburn Distinguished Professor

of Biblical Studies

at Union Theological Seminary

PREFACE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Passion Narrative (henceforth PN), as it proceeds from arrest through trial to condemnation, execution, and burial (thus from Gethsemane to the grave), constitutes in each Gospel the longest consecutive action recounted of Jesus. Aesthetically, more than any other section of the Gospels, indeed even more than the infancy narrative, it has captured the attention and imagination of dramatists (passion plays), artists, and musicians. Literarily, passion vignettes have left their mark on language and imagery: thirty pieces of silver, Judas kiss, cockcrow, washing one’s hands of blood. Historically, Jesus’ death was the most public moment of his life as figures known from Jewish or secular history (Caiaphas, Annas, Pilate) crossed his path. Indeed, alongside “born of the virgin Mary,” the other phrase that made its way into the creed, “suffered under Pontius Pilate,” ...